Cardiff has emerged as a leader in modern commercial lending by blending technology with human expertise, according to founder William Stern. The company focuses on providing small businesses with access to various small business financing products, particularly through merchant cash advances and revenue-based financing.
Revenue-based products gained traction after the 2008 financial crisis when traditional banks became reluctant to lend to small businesses. Unlike lenders who base advances solely on credit card receipts, Cardiff evaluates all payment streams to create a more comprehensive understanding of a borrower’s financial health. Businesses typically receive funding with factor rates starting around 1.1, and Cardiff can process and disperse capital quickly.
Over the past two decades, the company has disbursed roughly $10 billion, serving industries including franchised hotels, automotive shops, retail stores, and food services. Cardiff has also leveraged social media as a key marketing strategy, becoming one of the largest advertisers of commercial loan products on platforms such as Meta, Google, and TikTok.
The Cardiff Connection
Under the leadership of Founder William Stern and CEO Dean Lyulkin, Cardiff has successfully combined innovative lending practices with strategic marketing to support small businesses that may not qualify for traditional bank loans. Headquartered in San Diego County, the company’s mission is to modernize access to capital while balancing competitive rates and manageable repayment structures.
By employing advanced data analysis, holistic business profiling, and targeted social media campaigns, Cardiff ensures rapid funding and sustainable relationships with merchants. Stern’s expertise in small business lending, revenue-based financing, and digital marketing positions Cardiff as a forward-thinking partner for small business growth, reinforcing the company’s reputation for adaptability and long-term value creation.
